Happy Birthday Jamie!

The man I call genius. The man with a big heart. The man with a restless soul. James Trevor Oliver turns 34 today. I know millions of British people love Jamie so much and I think billions of people in the planet embraced his existence. And I am one of those billions of people who got smitten by the one and only Naked Chef! My affliction to this guy started eight years ago, when I started watching Discovery Travel & Living. There I saw the Oliver Twist, Naked Chef, Return of The Naked Chef and Jamie's School Dinners. Through this channel I also witnessed how he celebrated his 30th birthday in Amalfi, Italy four years ago. Italian long table with cold cuts, wine and of course pasta! A traditional Italian feast. From there I also started appreciating Gennaro Contaldi, Jamie's mentor. The man who molded the man that I truly admire. Jamie often said he is an Italian by heart, from that context--I also told myself that I am not a Filipino by heart, I am an Italian-French-Spanish-Aussie-English (5 in 1) by heart and soul. My beliefs and dreams in life doesn't match my origin. But I will always be proud to be a Filipino in so many ways.

So year after year, I get to know Jamie better. I feel connected to him everyday of my life as I continue watching his shows like Jamie at HOME and Jamie's Ministry of Food series. He never fails to amaze me of his great work and kind heart. Now my day is not complete without Jamie webby window being open the whole day. His vision for people to learn how to cook and avoid take away food is the same sentiment I have here in my heart. I am not a big person like Jamie to make it happen today in my region. But as I travel and learn, I know one day I would be able to build my own tower out of my own effort. I will stand in my own feet, build it and hopefully people will not doubt my visions and dreams in life.

Thank you so much Jamie for being my one and only inspiration about my cooking passion. You made me proud of myself and you allowed me to Dream BIG! I wish you will inspire the whole planet as well as the entire galaxy! I also wish you good health and more love for your family.

With all my LOVE, Happy happy happy Birthday Jamie!

hugs,
joanie xxx

My prize: Jme's Ministry of Food

Xin Chao Everyone!

I'm finally back to blog. So let me start my first post as I write it here in Saigon. It's a pretty amazing two weeks. I don't know how to start narrating my day-to-day adventures. This is the first idle moment that I can grab to update everything I have online. I do believe you guys are going to look forward on a lot of interesting posts as I chronicle my life here in Vietnam. But I cannot start my stories without telling all of you how happy I was when I left Manila. And there's only one reason-receiving my signed copy of Jme's Ministry of Food and a birthday dedication. The only cook book I brought here in Saigon, from the person who touched my life and who inspires me everyday I wake up. Am I too inspired? Absolutely! And I am truly happy to continue my dreams and journey because of James Trevor Oliver. The best birthday gift in my life so far and on my next birthday, will be off to London!

And the package with my name and old condo addy.

Opening it with a smile :-)

Sooo proud to have a copy from Jme!

Not just a signed copy book, but a personalized greeting for my birthday! (notice my teary-eyed smile)

Card from Jamie's Editor - Danny Mc Cubbin

Thank you Danny for your card and dedication. I was grateful for your patience and for always keeping in touch with me on email. I will definitely see you soon as I conquer London soon. ;p So basically I blog this to share to all of you that you should never stop dreaming and let me tell you this, dreams do come true to those people who doesn't know how to quit and give up.

More of my adventures soon. Tam Biet!

hugs,
joanie xxx

LONDON on 2010!

Joanie is off to London on her birthday 2010. To pick up her prizes and meet Danny and Jamie perhaps. And will dine at Jamie's Italian Resto. Twist of Fate. Who would have thought that I could possibly meet Jamie one day soon. You just to have to trust your dreams and be positive about it and things will fall into place. I am just so happy to receive an email from Danny regarding stuff he did for my birthday. No it makes me look forward to my birthday next year. I hope I can also ride The London Eye!

Happiness is a decision, and I am off to find it...

hugs.
joanie xxx